Orsat gas analyser

An Orsat gas analyser is a piece of laboratory equipment used to analyse a gas sample (typically fossil fuel flue gas) for its oxygen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide content. Although largely replaced by instrumental techniques, the Orsat remains a reliable method of measurement and is relatively simple to use.

It was patented before 1873 by Mr. H Orsat.

Construction

The apparatus consists essentially of a calibrated water-jacketed gas burette connected by glass capillary tubing to two or three absorption pipettes containing chemical solutions that absorb the gasses it is required to measure. For safety and portability, the apparatus is usually encased in a wooden box.

The absorbents are:

Potassium Hydroxide (Caustic Potash)

Alkaline pyrogallol

ammoniacal Cuprous chloride

The base of the gas burette is connected to a levelling bottle to enable readings to be taken at constant pressure and to transfer the gas to and from the absorption media. The burette contains slightly acidulated water with a trace of chemical indicator (typically methyl orange) for colouration.

Method of analysis

By means of a rubber tubing arrangement, the gas to be analyzed is drawn into the burette and flushed through several times. Typically, 100mls is withdrawn for ease of calculation. Using the stopcocks that isolate the absorption burettes, the level of gas in the leveling bottle and the burette is adjusted to the zero point of the burette.

The gas is then passed into the caustic potash burette, left to stand for about two minutes and then withdrawn, isolating the remaining gas via the stopcock arrangements. The process is repeated to ensure full absorption. After leveling the liquid in the bottle and burette, the remaining volume of gas in the burette indicates the percentage of carbon dioxide absorbed.

The same technique is repeated for oxygen, using the pyrogallol, and carbon monoxide using the ammoniacal cuprous chloride.

References

Boiler House and Power Station Chemistry: Wilfred Francis, 1955

A Textbook of Quantitative Inorganic Analysis: Arthur I Vogel, 1961.

External references

Pollution Online

http://www.pollutiononline.com/product.mvc/Orsat-Analyzer-0001